Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen Archives

Lahore Qalandars to face THIS team in PSL 11 opener

LAHORE: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Salman Naseer, has officially confirmed the teams and venue for the opening fixture of the tournament’s historic 11th edition, set to run from March 26 to May 3.

Addressing the media with Hamza Majeed and Gohar Shah, Naseer announced that Qalandars will lock horns with tournament debutants Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen in the season opener at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

The clash will be preceded by a grand opening ceremony, marking the beginning of what promises to be a landmark season for the league.

Naseer further revealed that the first leg of PSL 11 will largely be staged in Lahore, with the complete schedule expected to be unveiled later this week.

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In recent days, reports have circulated suggesting that the grand finale of PSL 11 could potentially be held outside Pakistan in a bid to engage overseas fans and expand the league’s footprint.

When asked about the possibility of taking a PSL fixture abroad, Naseer confirmed that the matter is indeed under discussion.

“The schedule will be announced later this week, so everything will become clear. But definitely, this was an issue under consideration, that our overseas Pakistanis also want to enjoy the PSL and experience it,” he said.

“Now, as we are becoming a global league, maybe we should take at least one match overseas. Whether that will happen this year or next year, you will get clarity by the end of this week,” he added.

READ: West Indies, Zimbabwe stuck in India because of travel chaos

Marnus Labuschagne ‘excited’ ahead of PSL debut

Australia top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne has expressed his excitement ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Marnus, 31, has been roped in by Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen as a direct signing for the landmark season of the tournament.

Labuschagne shared a video message, expressing his delight at being part of the marquee league for the first time.

“I am excited to join Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen for this season of the PSL,” he said.

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A post shared by Marnus Labuschagne (@marnus3)

“I want to thank the club and fans, it is going to be a great year. Can’t wait to be a part of it. I can’t wait to join the team,” he added.

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Earlier today, the franchise also announced the signing of ace Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell for PSL 11.

The right-hander will strengthen the squad that also includes some other notable names, including Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub.

For those unaware, Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen was acquired by Fawad Sarwar’s Kingsmen Group, who won the franchise rights with a bid worth Rs1.75 billion (approximately $6.25 million).

On the field, the franchise has begun shaping a competitive squad.

They retained promising talents Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Akif Javed.

The team has also assembled an experienced coaching staff. Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been appointed head coach, with Grant Bradburn set to serve as fielding coach under his leadership.

The landmark PSL 11 season is scheduled to begin on March 26, while the much-anticipated player auction will take place on February 11.

Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen squad:

Saim Ayub, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (Direct Signing), Glenn Maxwell, Usman Khan, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Hassan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Ottniel Baartman, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, and Tayyab Arif.

READ: PSL 11: Hyderabad boost squad with Glenn Maxwell signing

PSL 11: Hyderabad boost squad with Glenn Maxwell signing

The newly added Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen have signed Australia ace all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ahead of the landmark season 11.

The signing was confirmed via the franchise’s official social media accounts.

“𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑷𝑳𝑨𝒀𝑴𝑨𝑲𝑬𝑹. 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑩𝑰𝑮-𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑮𝑬 𝑩𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑻. 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑿-𝑭𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑶𝑹. Impossible? That’s not a word in his dictionary,” the franchise wrote.

“Inevitable? Nothing but destruction. Hold onto your seats tight, the biggest show in #HBLPSL is about to begin,” it added.

This will be the talismanic batter’s first appearance in the PSL, having previously represented several teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Glenn Maxwell, 37, has extensive experience with 129 T20I matches and scored 2,897 runs at a strike rate of 158.42.

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Overall, he has played 502 T20s, amassing 10,986 runs at an average of 27.53, including eight centuries and 58 half-centuries. The right-hander has also recorded the highest score of 154.

For the unversed, Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen secured their place in the PSL after being acquired by Fawad Sarwar’s Kingsmen Group, who won the franchise rights with a bid worth Rs1.75 billion (approximately $6.25 million).

On the field, the franchise has begun shaping a competitive squad.

They retained promising talents Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Akif Javed, while also strengthening their lineup with the direct signing of Australian star batter Marnus Labuschagne for the upcoming season.

The landmark PSL 11 season is scheduled to begin on March 26, while the much-anticipated player auction will take place on February 11.

Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen squad:

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